The University of Chicago Laboratory Schools

U-High Student Council, 1919-1921

Constitution and Minutes of the U-High Student Council, 1916-1921.

Source: At back of Student Council Minutes for 1920-21

Mimeographed Sheet entitled Bulletin 2 May 13, 1919

The Athletic Department this year because of the increased expenses relative to the purchase of material and because of the loss of the revenue obtained from gate receipts and interscholastic contests will be unable, without assistance, to send members of the school any distance to compete for the school. Since the track team made such a remarkable showing at Deerfield, it is very much the desire of Dr. Monilaw and the boys that we compete in the meet at Champaign. The total expense for the trip for nine people whom we desire to send will be $81.00. Are you willing that the Student Council contribute $75.00 of this provided the Athletic Committee can furnish the balance. Please vote yes or no and return at once to the office as was the case with the other ballott. The team leaves Thursday night if it is to go and all votes should be in by Wednesday evening. Signed G.L. Harris Yes written in underneath, Name written in pencil Rosalind Wright, but name is typed on outside of sheet.

Recommendation of the Committee of the Student Council of the UHS for a memorial prize to those representatives of the school who died in the service of the country. "The committee thinks that "inasmuch as the heros that the school is honoring died fighting with a devotion to ... etc recommends that the recipient of the prize be nominated by the student council and elected by the faculty. Final mimeographed announcement of prize of Twenty Dollars, in money or the equivalent, the "income of a fund of Four Hundred Dollars established in 1920 at the Student Council to perpetuate the m,emory of representatives of the School who died ... and to recognize in the School qualities - Devotion to Duty, Democracy, and Loyalty -- which these representatives displayed.

To be awarded annually in June by Faculty and Classmates to one member of the Senior Class, boy or girl, who through perseverance and consistent effort has achieved superior scholarship; through unselfish interest in his fellows has attained to wholesome leadership; through intelligent service to the school has contributed to its betterment.

Minutes handwritten by Mr. E. Lewis

Minutes for the Student Council 1916-17

Mortimer Harris, Secy Student Council 1916-17

Philip Ringer Secy Student Council 1917

Walter A Gatzert, Secy Student Council 1917-18

Max R. Schrayer, Secy Student Council, 1918-19

Dec. 6, '18 at 2:50 pm Mr. Johnson presiding. Constitution considered:

Art II "The purpose of this organization is the promotion of the highest interests of the UHS by discussing subjects pertaining to the good conduct and spirit of the school and by creating a student opinion favorable to these ends."

Art II amended in second meeting to read - "The purpose of this organization shall be the promotion of the highest interests of the UHS, the discussion of subjects pertaining to the good conduct of the school, and the creation of student opinion favorable to these ends."

Art III All Senior members of Phi Beta Sigma, Kanyaratna, and Tripleee and all Seniors whose eligibility to these organizations has been approved by the faculty shall constitute the membership of this organization."

Art IV Officers - no treasurer.

Art V Regular meetings once a month during the school year, and at such special times "as it may be deened necessary or desireable by the president.

Art VI Amendments must be given in writing to Council two weeks before consideration and must be passed by an affirmative vote.

Art II laid on the table. Motion to elect officers by a committee defeated, decided to have nominations from floor and election by membership.

Dec 11 1916 Art II amended to read "The purpose of this organization shall be the promotion of the highest interests of the University High School, the discussion of subjects pertaining to the spirits of the school, and the creation of a student opinion favorable to these ends." Graham elected Pres, Miss McLaughlin elected VP, Harris elected Secy. McL presided. Randall moved a comm be elected to meet with Mr. Johnson and schedule club meetings so they don't conflict. Miss Louer elected chrm, Beale, Donohue, and Embree were elected members. Baum brought up tripping that was going on. Mr J spoke and asked a few students to bring it to the faculty. Crandall moved a comm be apptd to deal with this, Baum elected chr. Beale asked for a comm to discuss the advisability of a vaudeville, Van Buskirk elected chrm.

Third Meeting Jan 3, '17 Univ High School. Baum reptd for Comm of Order & Etiquette in the Halls. Adopted the resolutions as a guide in furthering the interests of the school. Mr. Johnson agreed to bring matter to faculty. Miss Louer reported for Schedule Comm Mon - Stu Council 2:40, alternating with Tues of Literary Club; Tues - Alternate Literary Club 3:40; Wed - Glee Club, 2:40, Engineering Club 2:40; Thurs - Fres Literary Club, Soph Literary Club, 2:40 Sketch Club 3:30. Girls' Basketball to be arranged each week,

Track to be changed from 2:30 to later. Adopted. Van Buskirk reptd for

Vaudeville Comm postponed until after holidays, if faculty approves "operations' will soon be under way for a good production." Mr. Johnson suggested measures be taken for safekeeping of old class records, secretaries books and club constitutions. Donohue, E. Davis and Randall a comm to consider. Randall caleed for class dues.

Wed Jan 24 '17

Van Buskirk reptd for Vaudeville Comm no conclusion. Donohue reptd for comm on bettering UHS publications; after approval by Mr. Johnson, it was adopted: a. abolish commissions for advertisements in Corr and Midway (the Daily abolished this system a few years ago) b. Council or comm of Daily fac advisor, jr class advisor and 3 mgrs to choose next 3 mgrs. c. universal credit system for Daily, Corr, Midway; credit to be given for every dollar of advertizing and every hour of office work during fresh, soph, and junior years. d. a financial report to be submitted to the auditing comm each semester by each business manager. Diploma to be held back until final report in the hands of the auditing comm. e. establish a class like the Parl Law class to teach treasurers and Business mgrs how to keep books, attendance compulsory.

Elections for pres for new semester. Nominees - Donohue, Van Buskirk, Embree, and Miss Mann; Donohue elected. Voted to have a comm to confer with Miss Baushke each week, pr to appt. Misses Kahn and Embree were apptd. Beale invited mem of St Coun to attend Phi Beta Sigma dance to be about Mar 20. Mr. John asked Coun to assist him in arranging Assembly programs. Voted a comm of 3 to meet with Mr. J. Randall, Tilden and Miss Louer apptd. Adj 3:32.

Feb 19 Fifth meeting

Van Buskirk reptd he has talked with Mr. J about Vaudeville but not Mr. Pieper and will report to next meeting. Should outsiders be allowed at Junior-Senior and Senior-Junior Dances. Mr. J explained it would be undemocratic and unfair since all girls pay dues and only some would enjoy benefits of their money. School policy. Suggestion to run these dances like Friday afternoon dances, without programs, was defeated. Miss McCormicks' motion that invitations be limited to students and alumnae. Miss Manor's motion that comm discuss who can be invited to Jr-Sr and Sr-Jr dances passed: Felsenthal, Van Buskirk and Misses Miller and Pfaelzer apptd. Pr reptd weveral Fresh and Soph boys do not dance at Fri aft dances. Decided hosts should report such occurences to Miss Bauschke and send out any boy who "absolutely" refuses to dance with a girl.

Sat Mar 17 to be Phi Beta Sigma dance. Mr. J. explained will meaning attempt Mrs. Northrup to arrange to have dance in Ida Noyes but it is against school policy.

Mar 5 Sixth meeting

Donohue announced that class meetings had decided that outsiders but not underclassmen may be invited to Sr-Jr and Jr-Sr

dances. Student usggested a fixed meeting place, Mr. J said Pr should

appoint a comm for this: Beale, Misses Mann and Pfaelzer, and Harris apptd. Beale, Crandall and Randall apptd a comm to consider selecting editors of school publications in a similar fashion to selection of bus mgrs. Donohue stressed importance of attendance at Council meetings. Mr. J announced that paper from candy sold in bookstore being thrown in halls of Blaine. Miss McLaughlin moved that Pr announce this problem at next assembly. Pr urged Council to support athletics and clubs at school.

Seventh Meet. Mar 19 '17

Rm 214 can be used for meetings of Council after spring break. Van Buskirk reported that Mr. Pieper would bring ques of Vaudeville to faculty for final judgement at next meeting. Students in study room sixth period being disturbed by seniors who make noise and around Boys' Club. Take privileges away as remedy? Mr. J suggested Boys' Club officers and directors should stop commotion. New tardiness rule brought up by Baum, Mr. J said that although rule was severe it seems to have worked. Tardiness of teachers discussed, Mr J said he would bring it to next fac meeting.

Apr 8 8th meeting

Donahue asserted that the spirit is dwindling in a discussion of whether or not the Council has been successful in performing its duties. (terms theirs). Asked for opinions for defense or condemnation (sic). Van Buskirk told of school in Calif where students arrange everything. Mr J said this possible at U-High. He commended the Council on its work. Miss McL suggested a "group of selected students" from council be named to carry on business of council more efficiently and report to whole council from time to time. Mr. J approved. After long discussion council voted for a comm of three to bring a sritten resolution about the "inner circle" to meeting Apr 16. Beale, Mann and McCormick apptd. Mortimer Harris, sec'y.

Ninth Meeting Apr 14

Rm 214 Beale read resolution about exec comm "Art VII: An executive committee consisting of the secretary and president of the Council and seven other members shall be appointed by the president at the second regular meeting of the year. The executive committee will report on such action at the regular meetings of the Student Council. The pres of the Council shall be ex-officio Chairman of the committee. Meetings shall be held each week."

In Art V strike out "every two weeks" and insert "once a month".

The Pr apptd Beale, Tilden, Telsenthal, Van Buskirk, Misses McLaughlin, Mann, Miller to constitute committee with Secy and Pres. Each of these is chr of a separate comm, athletic, social, publications and the like, with 4 or 5 members of the Council to make up each comm. Voted Miss Mann's suggestions that officers of the underclasses and the junior class be allowed to attend by invitation. Dana explains exec comm of San Diego High School. Mr. J. said a few works about patriotism and what this

school is doing; the girls are giving the money for graduation to the Red

Cross Fund, they are carrying on Red Cross work in the Girls' Club. Some students are going to work on farms until school closes in June. Military training was discussed. Mr. J said this school is different from othe large schools, all boys are engaged in athletics here (not in public schools). "A sound body is the foundation of a good soldier." The students of this school will make better soldiers than if hard, continuous drilling had taken place.

10th meeting April 30 '17

Rm 214 Various comm chrs and their comm announced. Amendments to Art V and Art Vii approved.

11th Meeting Student Council May 14 1917

Rm 260 A comm of parents was present to discuss raising money for an ambulance for R. Campbell. Mrs Buttolph, social comm chr of PA "advised" that Spring Party be given up, the money to go toward an ambulance. The ambulance might be named the "University High School Ambulance", she suggested both students and alumni might take part in raising money. Pres asked that some member of the PA explain the cost. Mr. Johnson said that $1000 would buy and maintain an ambulance for one year. Mrs Johnson told about Americans driving ambulances in France before the US entered the war. Mrs. Buttolph has talked with 20 parents and they will be glad to contribute. Discussion of how to raise money from students, friends, parents, organizations of the school, publications and classes. Beale moved that an exec comm of council meet with parents to make definite plans.

12th Meeting May 21 '17

Room 260 Mr. Johnson described plan to canvass the entire school in a short time for the abmulance. Mrs. Johnson said that 70,000 ambulance drivers will be needed within a yr to avoid taking soldiers out of the trenches for this duty. Decided not to use money from school organizations or publications unless the canvass fails. Decided to try to raise $2200 which will pay Campbell's expenses for a year in addition to the ambulance. If everyone in the school gave $6.00 it would raise $2400. Not everyone can give $6.00 therefore some will have to give more. Decided to ask half elem and half HS students in Mr. Breslich's Math I to help. These students attend assemblies and consider themselves HS students because they take hs math. Mr. Johnson "detailed" the plan for collecting the money; two chr for each class, a boy and a girl to collect from their genders respectively. Each chr will have 4 or 5 students on "his or her" comm. Each collector will report to the office each day and deposit money. Some sort of graphic display will be made to stimulate interest. Names of subscribers but not amounts will be posted. Expect to be finished by June 1.

13th Meeting June 4 '17 Room 260

Last meeting ordered at 2:50 (a few minutes late) Recommendations for 1st meeting of 1917-18 Student Council: 1) Pres of Council should preside and run student mass meetings,

2) The social comm of the council should meet with the presidents of the various clubs AS SOON AS POSSIBLE and draw up a social program for the year. 3) Comm on publications should establish "special tests" whereby the editors of the "Corr" and "Midway" might be chosen. 4) The comm on athletics should meet with Dr. Monilaw and Miss Bauschke and the captains and managers of the teams and decide the athletic policies. 5) Comm on assemblies with Mr. J should make up assembly programs for the year. 6) The honor comm should legislate early in the year on such "miscanses or nuiscances" (sic) as usually appear.

Minutes for the Student Council 1917-18

Philip Ringer, Secretary

1st Meeting October 15, '17 Monday

Election of officers- Pr Fitzgerald (John James, according to yearbook, died Nov 16, 1917), Miss Buck (Elaine) v-p, Ringer sec'y. Minutes fo previous year could not be found. Decided to have comm to arrange program for club meetings, Lowenbach chr Misses Buck and Stahl, Loeb and Ringer on schedule comm (name decided later). Mr. J suggested a comm to meet with fac comm to discuss having assemblies conducted by students, no action taken.

2nd meeting October 29. Minutes of last meeting of previous year read. Exec comm apptd - Pr Fitzgerald, Ringer, Gatzert, Loeb, Waful, Misses Marks, Buck, Hilton and Hall (male). Meetings of ex com to be on Monday at 2:40 (time of Council meetings). Assembly comm apptd - Fitzgerald, Walker, Litt, the Misses Stahl and Marks. Mr. J suggested a service flag for U-High with a star for every U-Higher in service, Misses Marks, Stahl, Buck and Hilton to constitute a comm to see to this. Decided that comm of 3 editors of publications should meet with faculty advisors to develop a plan for choosing next years' editors. Decided business mgrs to meet with faculty advisors about a plan for selecting business mgrs. Adjourned 3:40

1st meeting exec comm, Nov 5 '17 Proposed a comm to take things off bulleting boards with Miss Marks and Loeb but lost. Decided to take this to Council. Decided to bring matter of student assemblies, matter of having students talk at discussion club was brought up and laid over for council.

3rd meeting Student Council Nov 26, '17 3:00 Brought to order by vp Buck. Nom for pres - Waful, Walker, Ringer, Ringer elected. Secy - Gatzert, Litt, Gatzert elected. Decided that whole Council to look after neatness of bulletin boards. Lowenbach presented new program to Council, Mr. J explained it, approved. Walter A. Gatzert secy Adj 3:40.

2nd meet Exec Comm Dec 10, '17 Miss Marks apptd to see Mr. J about putting up service flag. Decided to bring matter of conserving money at

dances to Council. 3:15

4th meeting Council 2:50 Eichengreen apptd to get some definite figures on cost of past school dances. Misses Marks and Buck apptd to look after service flag. Flint, Miss Stahl and Weil apptd to organize a campaign for sale of thrift stamps. Adjourned 3:20

5th Meeting Council, Feb 11 1918 2:50 Eichengreen reported on cost of dances, lst motion to eliminate cake, but set $30 cap on cost of dances. Council decided not to recommend a campaign for Smileage tickets. Adj 3:30

6th Meeting Council Mar 11, 1918. Waful reptd editors' comm decided Corr ed to be chosen by comm including present ed, faculty advisor of junior class, and 3 disinterested members of class. Plan approved. Flint explained ed of Midway chosen by board. Eichengreen reported for bus mgrs comm recommendation that it not be necessary for a man to get ads sophomore year in order to be eligible for manager. This approved as recommendation to bus mgrs comm. "Miss Stahl spoke about letting girls hold too many offices, but Mr J. said that was a matter for Kanyarantna to decide. Adj 3:20.

7th Meeting Council May 13, 1918. 2:45 Voted that pr appt comm to decide on raking different offices in choosing Monilaw Medal. Adj 2:50

8th Meeting Council May 20, '18 Mr. J discussed plans for contributions to the Red Cross. Decided that teacher of each 4th period class should manage students in his class or appt someone in class to manage it. Discussed class day invitations but made no decision. Adjourned after 10 min meeting.

Minutes of Student Council 1918-19

Max R. Schrayer, secy.

First Meeting, Nov 22 1918 - Nominations for pres - Henry Ricketts, Louis Mohr, Maurice Cope - Ricketts elected. McLaughlin and Alice Lowenhaupt - vp, McLaughlin elected. Jenette Stein, Gertrude Slocum, Tom Guerin and Max Schrayer - secy, Schrayer elected. Mr. Harris moved that these officers constitue exec comm to draw up resolutions to present to council for approval. Discussed and decided 2 other members to be elected to comm. Leila Eichberg and Robert Tiffany elected.

Mr. Harris (Instr. in mathematics) spoke about the corridor situation. He said the University will give the Student Council no power to govern with this situation until the Council had shown that it was respected by the school. He also explained how the school was attempting to raise the standard of scholarship. The confusion during the seventh and eighth period discussed. Mr. Harris suggested the exec comm meet and

form a plan for straightening out this confusion. Next meeting to be Wed Nov 27.

2nd meeting Student Council Nov 27 '18 3:30

Pr Ricketts explained that to show the Univ what the Council stands for need to pass a set of resolutions. Voted to set up a comm of 5 to draw up resolutions. Isabel McLaughlin presented problem of 7th hour when various club and other meetings occur making it difficult for clubs and comm to get together. Many parents object some say child does too much work, some too little. Suggested passing out printed slips 3rd hour to have students state what they did the day before 7th hour. This way could get facts, not to be done for 2 weeks. Mr. Harris said students will be asked amount of homework at the same time. Voted that a comm of 5 take up this work.

Mr. Harris explained what happened to social fee of $2200 each year. All goes to PA which gives $750 to Daily, $300 to Midway, $300 to dances. Remainder spent on athletics and other school necessities.

What to do with $600 from 1918 Correlator - Pr Ricketts suggested having pictures taken of all alumni killed in war and placed in halls. Rbt Tiffany suggested dividing it between Boys' and Girls' Clubs and publications. Tom Guerin told of Boys' Club needs. Meg Tillie suggested giving Girls' Club $150 for pool table. Isabel McL. wanted money given to charities. Jenette Stein wanted it given to Settlement Club. Tom Guerin suggested a tablet for all those in service. Mr. Harris suggested referring this exec comm.

3rd meeting Student Council Dec 6 '18 Friday 3:00

Ricketts explained necessity of passing resolutions TO SHOW FACULTY AND UNIVERSITY what the Student Council stand for. I. Whereas Council convinced that student should be responsible for his conduct in the classroom, he can't be accountable unless he understands what actions are "deemed" undesirable by instructor, and Whereas Council feels desired cooperation between student and instructor may be obtained by complete understanding between the two, Resolved that faculty be asked to render a statement to the school of the circumstances under which a student may be disciplined in the classroom in regard to warning, reducing grades, and excluding offenders. II Whereas, SC regards loitering, running and eating in corridor undesireable, resolved that discipline in corridor be stricly enforced. III Whereas, rules have prohibited gambling and smoking in corridors, clubs and at athletic games and on HS grounds. Resolved that rules be strictly enforced (haven't been they acknowledge). Resolved that all violations be brought to SC for consideration. IV Frequent conflicts in after school activities. Resolved that schedule of these be arrnaged by faculty in cooperation with SC. V Whereas dances are one of the most important phases of the social life of the school, Good music essential, Resolved better music must be supplied in order to make dances better, even if it means hiring an orchestra. Mr. Harris given these to read to faculty. Helen Voltz asked if anything could be done about meals in the lunch room. School can't do anything to help matters.

Mr. Harris said 7th hour problem difficult and thanked those helping Miss Latke with reports. Comm to be apptd to secure pictures of alum killed in war, make them uniform size and hang them in corridor.

4th Meeting Dec 27 Friday at 3:15

Mr. Harris reported faculty views on resolutions, Discipline should be left to individual teacher, thanked SC for second, they can't turn punishment over to SC but asked their cooperation. Remainder approved. Harris urged Council to use its influence to help keep order in classroom, suggested a Handbook and that Daily print articles telling work of SC.

7th hour problem, material has been tabulated, chose bad time to give out questionnaires. Have to do it again. Picture comm said picutres would be up when school reopens. Tiffany moved comm look after a tablet for honor roll, approved. Voted $50 to Settlement Comm

5th Meeting January 13 1919 2:40

Miss Katherine Slaught talked about French orphans, suggested SC take charge of campaign. Girls' Club will continue to support one, French class will support one, that leaves 8 for SC It will cost $360 to support all ten. Gym classes are a good means to reach students except seniors. Tom Guerin offered to place a box in the Boys' Club. Jenette Stein moved a comm of 3 to secure money, approved.

Pres scolded comm for not doing their work, a Publicity comm of 3 Daily editors has been put in charge of pub. Tom Guerin read letter from firm doing honor rolls, they charge $400. Asked to look for a cheaper permanent roll.

6th meeting Thursday January 30, '19

Pres commented on poor attendance, shows lack of interest. McLaugh. and Schrayer moved that meetings require a quorum. Marion Angell reported on 7th hour problem showing a chart Miss Latke made using statistics collected. Many people go home after 6th period, many more after 7th, hence only a small percentage of students are doing all the work. Left to exec comm

Mimeographed petition this copy for Paul Breslich, Student Council President, written in pencil from the Student Council of the University High School,...it feels...its position in the school is not clearly understood by the faculty and students; ...it wishes to make known to the faculty and students its attitude toward the various phases of school life and activities, ...(to) obtain a closer cooperation between itself and the faculty and student bodies, offers to the school the following resolutions remainder to be xeroxxed I hope ...

Photocopy of minutes of meeting on October 28.

Minutes of Thursday, Dec 11, 191 Executive Committee: Maxine Liebenstein, Juliet Meyer, Dorothy Judd, Henry Fitzgerald, Gilbert Longstreet, Maud Sippy - Secy, Paul Breslich - Pres. Name plates have been ordered for pictures of Alumni who died in service. Accepted recommendations of comm for a Memorial Prize, that the income of a Fund of $400 in the amount of Twenty Dollars shall be awarded to the senior who shall have most conspicuously demonstrated the qualities mentioned."

Financial situation of "Daily" discussed. Council recommended that there be three Dailies instead of four each week. This a temporary measure. Discussed how to arouse more competition for position of Bus Mgr of the "Daily".

April 16, 1920 12:45 pm Voted to accept plans for awarding of Memorial Prize. Directed secy to write to school organizations suggesting that surplus funds should be turned over to U-High fund.

Source: from notes taken by Alice Karl, the Lab School Archivist from 1990-1997.